Orphans and Vulnerable Children: Primary School Students - "Wenye Heri"

"Wenye Heri" is Swahili for "Those who are blessed." We see all of these children as blessed with so much potential. Our goal is to help them fulfill that potential and to know that they are loved. We offer them the following services: free medical care, Saturday program (including recreational and educational activities, and a meal), home visits and counseling as needed, visits to their schools, and a new school uniform and notebooks once a year. The government primary schools in Tanzania are very overcroweded. There can be 60 students or more per teacher. Since there are not enough desks, many of the students sit on the floor. Most schools lack electricity or running water. Corporal punishment is still widely practiced from first grade all the way up through secondary/high school. Lessons are written on the chalkboard and the students copy them into their notebooks. Emphasis is placed on rote memorization. A child who is a bit slower or having problems at home is quickly left behind. At Uzima Centre the children receive encouragement and they know that someone cares about them.

​​Secondary School Students - "Vijana Hai"

This program assists young men and young women who attend government secondary schools. The secondary students (ages 14-19) are expected to participate in our "Vijana Hai" or Youth Alive Program. This is a program which romotes good decision making and positive behavioral change. The government secondary schools have a shortage of teachers and supplies. Students often must purchase their own textbooks or go without. No transportation is provided so it is not uncommon for students to walk an hour or longer to reach school. Our goal for the OVC program is to help the children to have the same access to basic needs as other children so that they can complete their education and overcome the poverty they would otherwise face. As one of our students once said, "To receive an education in Tanzania one must be prepared to suffer." Unfortunately, in most cases, that is all too true. Our secondary students are invited to come into the centre on Saturdays and participate in making Bongo Beads in order to earn money for their school expenses. (Learn more on our tab "The History of Bongo Beads.")

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.